Sport

Stockport Sports 1 Barnoldswick Town 4

BARNOLDSWICK Town returned to winning ways with a four-star show at Stockport Sports.

Barlick were looking to end a run of three straight defeats and they did so in style thanks to goals from Mark Threlfall, Aaron Hollindrake, Martin Broderick and a Stockport own goal.

Manager Ben Hall gave full debuts to new signings Andrew Lee and Oliver Devenney while Kevin Richardson came in at centre half for Jack Overson.

The match started with Stockport very much on the attack and they nearly took an early lead when Nic Niagorian hit the Barlick upright.

But for all their possession, Stockport put very little pressure on the Town defence in terms of goal chances – Irwin shooting just wide after 23 minutes being their best attempt at goal, after a poor clearance.

The second half started with Stockport on the attack and Niagorian shooting just over Carrington’s crossbar.

The Stockport defence was prone to having a high back line, this was exploited after 53 minutes, and a ball over the top saw Hollindrake react first. His run took him clear and his finish from the edge of the penalty area over the advancing keeper Omar Bodran was first class to put Town in front.

The play was more even now, perhaps the Town players had got used to the artificial surface. Town made their first substitution after 65 minutes, Broderick coming on to replace Oliver Devenney.

Two minutes later and Town doubled their lead.

Danny Boyle put Threlfall through with a great ball who slid the ball home.

However, Stockport hauled themselves back into the match three minutes later through Jay Mehmet.

With play opening up as Stockport tried for the equaliser Town forced a corner, Liam Blades took it finding Lewis Jordan, his goal bound shot unfortunately hitting Hollindrake bouncing to safety.

Town put the game fairly safe after 81 minutes with arguably the best move of the match.

Hollindrake, Threlfall and Lee were all involved in the build up before Threlfall’s shot took a wicked deflection off the shoulder of Sam Menion and cannoned in to the Stockport net.

Town replaced Hollindrake with Ashley Alderson on 82 minutes.

And with four minutes left Boyle was brought down on the edge of the Stockport penalty area, Broderick stepped up to take the kick.

The shot was hit with real venom and Broderick’s swerving effort swung in the air and flew past Bodran who was rooted to the spot as Town finish off the scoring.

Boyle then went off to rapturous applause from the Town supporters for his excellent performance.

A welcome return to winning ways from Town, a good all round performance especially the second half.